Vietnam seeks additional COVID-19 vaccine, drug support from AstraZeneca
VOV.VN - Vietnam expects drug maker AstraZeneca will continue to provide new generation COVID-19 vaccines and drugs to Vietnam to increase its protection capacity against new strains.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made the suggestion during a meeting in Hanoi on January 19 with Nitin Kapoor, Chairman and General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam.
He thanked AstraZeneca for working closely and effectively with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies of Vietnam to fulfil its commitment of delivering 30 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to the country, contributing to its successful implementation of the vaccine strategy and COVID-19 control.
The PM proposed that the drug maker actively undertake its committed investment projects, and share international experiences in implementing immunization for children aged 5 to 12.
Nitin Kapoor briefed his host on the implementation of agreements reached during the meeting between PM Pham Minh Chinh and AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot in the UK last November, noting that AstraZeneca is accelerating a US$90 million project on technology transfer for manufacturing drugs in Vietnam, and at the same time is choosing partners to transfer vaccine technology to the country.
The firm is considering further reducing vaccine prices for Vietnam, he told his host.
PM Pham Minh Chinh welcomed AstraZeneca’s moves and affirmed that the Vietnamese Government will create the best possible conditions for the firm to deploy investment projects in the country.
He suggested AstraZeneca continue to accompany the development of Vietnam’s health sector as testimony to strengthening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the UK.